More wild animals condemned to imprisonment

More wild animals condemned to imprisonment

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The National Council of SPCAs (NSPCA) has grave
concerns regarding the proposed establishment of the Lamloch Safari Park, due
to open in the Kleinmond area by Mr Craig Saunders. By the name alone, it gives
the impression of the true South African Bush setting, but in reality, it is a
zoo that is designed for wild animal interactions and a life in captivity.

Plans to introduce 8 African elephant, 3 lions, and 2
black rhino to the park are underway with the application to secure permits.
The NSPCA believe that the area intended for this is inadequate and unsuitable
for the species, and this will substantially compromise the animals’ welfare.

There is local and global growing concern regarding
what is required for elephant interactions and elephant in captivity. Mr
Saunders, who owns a number of elephant interaction facilities, was also
involved in the Tuli Elephant case in 1998-2003, where 30 elephants were
captured and trained cruelly for tourism and entertainment.

“We are perplexed that there are still captive
wildlife facilities that are cropping up, surely, as a country that has
beautiful National parks where elephants and other wild animals get to live
their lives out naturally, that we would have moved away from keeping these
animals in captivity” said Karen Trendler, Manager of the NSPCA’s Wildlife
Trade & Trafficking Portfolio.

The NSPCA has approached Cape Nature and are unhappy
with the dismissive tone that has been received – rather than interacting with the
NSPCA, Cape Nature has referred the NSPCA to apply for information through the
Public Access to Information Act regarding certain species. Cape Nature have
been forthcoming with information relating to the approval of the management
plan for game animals, yet they have made no mention of the management plans
for elephant and lion. This begs the question – why is there a lack of
transparency?

As the leading animal welfare organisation in South
Africa, and one that is mandated to enforce the Animals Protection Act No 71 of
1962, the NSPCA is appalled by the lack of transparency received from Cape
Nature.

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